February is the international campaign month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH) and Dublin Devils FC is supporting the initiative.
FvH is a campaign uniting football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people in football.
Year round, FvH enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. This culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to join together in making a visible stand against prejudice and for inclusion.
Dublin Devils FC is pleased to be supporting the campaign this season as part of the FvH grassroots initiative.
The club’s Public Relations Officer, Eddie Wong, said: “There is no room for homophobia in football. People should not be judged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a club, we welcome anyone from the LGBT+ community and allies to play football with us. We don’t discriminate or turn people away.”
Studies on homophobia in sport over the past ten years find that around 82% of respondents have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport in the UK.
Attitudes in Football are changing, but we all need to make sure that the language we use and the way we behave reflects this change. At Dublin Devils FC we believe we can make a real difference to the culture of football, and we’d like your support. We know that change starts with education and Dublin Devils FC recognises it has a role to play in leading the way on raising awareness of homophobia and LGBT+ discrimination within the club and its community.
Dublin Devils FC believes in a game where LGBT+ people can be seen and heard, and valued for their contribution to football. Dublin Devils FC will work to create a safe and inclusive football environment where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions are welcome.
Dublin Devils FC will be designating a game in support of the Football v Homophobia campaign later this year with Shelbourne FC in Tolka Park. This is an opportunity for our supporters and friends to also get behind the campaign and show everyone that Dublin Devils FC is no place for hate or bigotry.
At our #FvH2021 designated game Dublin Devils FC will be making a pledge to make our club even more inclusive by encouraging women and members of the transgender community to join our Club and play football with us.
Find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and action you can personally take in February, here: www.footballvhomophobia.com
Twitter: @FvHTweets
Instagram: FOOTBALL_V_HOMOPHOBIA
Facebook: www.bit.ly/fvhpage